{"id":429,"date":"2026-01-06T09:37:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:37:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/?p=429"},"modified":"2026-01-16T15:02:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T15:02:41","slug":"buying-guides-outdoor-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/buying-guides-outdoor-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying Guides \u2013 Outdoor Lighting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Posted on 31 December 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Author: Charles Barnett<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Last updated on 25 July 2024<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor lighting has become popular in recent years, partly because of the great potential of LED technology. Exterior spaces can now be lit cheaply and effectively using a variety of products. This buying guide looks at the aims of outdoor lighting and how they are met to give you an idea of what may be best for you. Alternatively, feel free to browse our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16460-outdoor-lighting\">extensive outdoor lighting selection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Designing a Lighting Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To create an effective outdoor lighting scheme, you need to consider ambient, accent and task lighting requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ambient or background lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of lighting is needed for practical purposes, providing enough light for everyday activities such as walking, eating, drinking and socialising. There are several options available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small walkover lights installed around the edge of a patio or decking area look good and allow safe footing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freestanding fittings such as post or pedestal lights are ideal for creating pools of light. Modern indoor-style floor lamps like the Konstsmide Lucca are a chic form of outdoor lighting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27875_11-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27875_11-300x300-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27875_11-300x300-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Floodlights can provide full strength illumination for building exteriors and surrounding areas. They are good for work or security purposes and might suit bustling social settings, but are less useful where intimate mood is the aim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wall lights usually create a functional and mood-enhancing background light without being overbearing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accent lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of outdoor lighting highlights statues, plants, trees, water features and signs. Install these lights a short distance from the feature and angle the beam to shine directly on or through it. Suggestions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Walkover lights or floodlights used as uplights dramatically highlight features from below.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wall-mounted spotlights create a pool of light around features.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staked spotlights like the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/edit-leaf-garden-spotlight-black.html\">Edit Leaf<\/a>&nbsp;are effective in highlighting plants, flowers and ornaments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/45643_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-432\" style=\"width:286px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/45643_01.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/45643_01-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/45643_01-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16535-outdoor-fairy-lights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fairy lights<\/a>\u00a0are often draped around trellises, shrubs, or trees. Don\u2019t forget\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16480-festoon-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">festoons<\/a>\u00a0if you\u2019re aiming for a party mood!Business signage can be lit with specially designed\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16605-sign-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sign lights<\/a>, normally featuring long or curving arms and adjustable heads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Task lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Task lights are used to sufficiently light any area where demanding tasks or activities are performed. Usually, the light will be installed above head height in order to provide un-obscured coverage. Examples of task lighting might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A wall-mounted spotlight or floodlight is useful for potentially hazardous activities such as barbecue cooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spotlights or floodlights can be positioned in trees for lighting garden amenities such as play areas, barbecues or car parks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floodlighting can be used to light outdoor sports areas. A tennis court would be a prime example, which might be well served by a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/outdoor-lighting\/floodlights.html?lyco_wattage_comparison_range=1934\">500W equivalent floodlight.<\/a>&nbsp;Conversely, a swimming pool is usually lit from within to avoid glare, normally using a PAR lamp.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dusk to dawn sensors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201cdusk to dawn\u201d sensor is another term for a photocell. These are used in some outdoor fittings to automatically trigger overnight lighting, often for security purposes. The light switches off again at daybreak. Their sensitivity can sometimes be adjusted, allowing you to choose exactly how dark it needs to be before the light is activated. The sensor can be overridden in many cases for manual operation, though this should be checked prior to purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16470-dusk-to-dawn-wall-lights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Browse our Dusk to Dawn range<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PIR sensors &amp; security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/61113_01_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-431\" style=\"width:282px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/61113_01_1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/61113_01_1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/61113_01_1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If security is a priority, floodlights with a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor are a good option. The sensor triggers light when it detects movement within a pre-set range, deterring intruders without the need to keep lights permanently switched on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PIR lights like this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/lyco-50w-cool-white-led-floodlight-with-pir-sensor.html\">50w LED Floodlight with integrated PIR sensor<\/a>&nbsp;has a movement sensor that would be triggered up to 8 metres with a&nbsp; 120\u00b0 detection range . This is useful for any large commercial premises. Advanced CCTV circuits can also be installed and monitored remotely through PCs, tablets, and smart phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16565-pir-wall-lights\">PIR lights<\/a>\u00a0are also useful at residential entrances, as a practical measure to help locate keys and avoid stumbling on obstacles. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/145955-lucide-claire-half-lantern-outdoor-wall-light-with-pir-sensor.html?id_c=313044&amp;id_query=2c8b01e291a007c25680ac67c5549eb4\">Lucide Claire Half Lantern<\/a>\u00a0serves as an example. Again, these avoid the need for a permanent light, so they\u2019re an energy-saving product in many scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16565-pir-wall-lights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Browse our PIR lights range<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IP Ratings \u2013 A brief guide to Waterproof Lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor light fittings always carry Ingress Protection ratings. This rating is marked by the letters \u201cIP\u201d followed by 2 digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against ingress of solid objects and the second relates to waterproofing. This advice may help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The minimum IP rating you should look for in a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/15125-garden-lights\">garden light<\/a>\u00a0is IPX3 (normally IP43), which protects against rain or spraying water at a 60\u00b0 angle from vertical. Choose an IPX4 (normally IP44) rating for exposed areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16465-decking-lights\">Decking<\/a>\u00a0or patio lights are often jet-cleaned, which requires an IPX5 rating or above. IP65 is a good target, as it indicates a dust-tight housing as well as resistance to jets of water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lights to be installed in shallow water up to 1m deep require a rating of IPX7.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If installing lights at depths of over 1m in ponds or swimming pools, opt for a fitting with an IPX8 rating. (Always check manufacturer\u2019s information before any underwater installation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Light sources (Pros &amp; Cons)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The light sources used in outdoor lighting each carry their own advantages and disadvantages. In recent years LED has become the main choice for lighting, both in commercial and residential buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/15615-led-lighting\">LED lighting<\/a>\u00a0is energy efficient and has an average lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. LED lamps produce a heatless beam of light, so they can be installed near plants without causing damage. They also emit little or no UV (ultraviolet) light, making them less attractive to insects. LED technology combines well with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16625-solar-lights\">solar energy<\/a>\u2014many outdoor LED lights are free to run!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>HID lamps<\/strong>&nbsp;are used to light large areas. They vary in type from a metal halide lamp for good colour recognition to a sodium lamp with poor colour rendering but incredible energy efficiency. These lights are mostly too powerful for homes or hospitality venues, but useful for applications such as car parks, access roads or sports areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outdoor lighting styles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lighting styles are diverse, but they can be boiled down to \u201ctraditional\u201d and \u201ccontemporary\u201d for outdoor purposes. Some designs are neutral enough to be used in any type of setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traditional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional outdoor lights often have a lantern design that dates back to 17<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century England, though is most associated with Victorian times. Lanterns are still popular today and used in post lights, pedestal lights, wall lights and lamp posts. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/135455-searchlight-alex-lantern-lamp-post.html?id_c=292977&amp;id_query=8716d260baca7b99e82904e5f54b7893\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alex Post Lantern<\/a>\u00a0resembles a 19<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century lamp post, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another form of traditional outdoor fitting is the nautically inspired \u201cfisherman\u2019s light\u201d. This is used mostly in wall lights and porch pendants and involves a simple enclosed lamp design with a metal cover. The Nordlux\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/145270-nordlux-luxembourg-outdoor-wall-light-with-pir-sensor.html?id_c=309148&amp;id_query=ce5051800da11a82a0a81dc0fada7502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Luxembourg Wall Light<\/a>\u00a0is an example. The austerity of this design makes it suitable for some modern settings, also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contemporary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many contemporary outdoor lighting products, with LED technology encouraging sleek designs. Often discreet, you can install modern products like the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/135180-searchlight-messina-rectangular-led-ground-light.html?id_c=292653\">Searchlight Messina<\/a>\u00a0outside a traditional property without necessarily detracting from its character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bollard.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-430\" style=\"width:334px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bollard.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bollard-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bollard-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bollard-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bolder outdoor luminaires such as stainless steel post and pedestal lights suit only modern surroundings. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/90965-5w-inti-stainless-steal-outdoor-bollard-50cm.html?id_c=189203&amp;id_query=76b925aa887217b8584e444fff267b7b\">Edit Inti<\/a>, for instance, is distinctly up-to-date and capitalises on LED technology for long life and minimal maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extend those evenings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re lucky enough to own a garden, enjoy what is already yours and let the forbidding night be a thing of the past! Installing outdoor lights needn\u2019t be complicated, especially with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16570-plug-and-play-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plug and play lighting system<\/a>. If you\u2019re a pub landlord, restaurateur, hotelier or other business owner, it\u2019s never been easier than now to light up your outdoor space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feel free to browse our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16360-outdoor-lights\">full range of outdoor lights<\/a>\u00a0for a clearer idea of what\u2019s available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more advice and guidance take a look at our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/\">Lighting Blog section<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Posted on 31 December 2019 Author: Charles Barnett Last updated on 25 July 2024 Outdoor lighting has become popular in recent years, partly because of the great potential of LED technology. Exterior spaces can now be lit cheaply and effectively using a variety of products. This buying guide looks at the aims of outdoor lighting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":434,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=429"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":550,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429\/revisions\/550"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=429"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=429"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=429"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}